Efficacy of Light-Emitting Diode Photomodulation in Reducing Erythema After Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser Resurfacing: A Pilot Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND The most common side effects of fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser resurfacing are erythema and edema of the treated skin. Light-emitting diode (LED) devices have been shown to stimulate fibroblast activity and hasten wound healing. The current study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of such LED devices in treating post-laser therapy erythema. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the clinical efficacy of LED photomodulation in reducing erythema resulting from ablative fractional CO2 laser resurfacing. MATERIALS AND METHODS Randomly selected facial halves of 10 Korean subjects (Fitzpatrick skin type III-IV) were treated using a 635-nm wavelength LED array immediately after full-face fractional laser skin resurfacing. Each participant was subsequently treated with LED daily for the following 7 days. Clinical photographs, subjective physician assessment, and chromometer erythema index were used to track the results, with clinical improvement assessed using a 5-point grading scale. RESULTS The postlaser erythema resolved faster on the experimental side than the control side, with improvements noted according to physician assessment and chromometer erythema index. Statistically significant improvements between the two sides were first noted on day 4. CONCLUSION Treatment using a 635-nm-wavelength LED array decreases the intensity and duration of post-fractional CO2 laser treatment erythema.